Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6 Days Moshi, Tanzania
This is proberly the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Accomodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the ”Whisky Route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him/her a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The 700 m for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization recommended.
1st Day
Machame Gate (1800 m) – Machame Camp (3000 m)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 Km
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshei to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slope or the mountain. Upon reaching the Park Gatem climbers are requested to make their final preperations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing food, water and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters ravel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. We now leave the Park Gate and walk through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp, which is located at an altitude of 3840 m. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. You continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Hut, where camps are put up for rest and enjoy dinner and camp overnight.
2nd Day
Machame Camp (3000 m) – Shira Camp (3840 m)
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
After Breakfast, you leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge at 3658 m. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira Campsite.
3rd Day
Shira Campsite (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4600 m) Barranco Camp (3950 m)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi desert
From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continuem the direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue downwards the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3950 m. Here, you rest enjoy dinner and camp overnight.
Althrough you end the day at the same elevation, as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
4th Day
Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Kanrang Valley (4200 m), and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 m. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views for the summit from many different angles. Here you can rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit night.
5th Day
Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)
Hiking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak
Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit
Ealy morning, you continue towards the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extrems with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite at 3100 m. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well earned sleep.
6ed Day
Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1500 m)
Hiking Time: about 3 Hours
Habitat: Forest
After Breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and drive you back to the Hotel in Moshi.
Equipment needed for the Climb:
– Sleeping Bag
– Mountain Poles
– Warm Gloves
– Gaiters
– Balaclava
– Water Bottles
– Head Torch
– Rain Mac / Poncho
– Warm Jacket
– Warm Trousers
– Sunglasses
– Day Pack
– Mountain Boots
– Scarves
– Pairs of Socks
Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks and Porters.